A “new” album from a dead legend is often cause for celebration – but, on the other hand, if it wasn’t considered good enough for release by the man himself, what (commercial considerations aside) has changed since 1978?
Well, the production for one thing. Part of Gallagher’s objection was the mix. We can’t know if he would have approved of Notes… as it sounds, but it has the rough-yet-polished quality that marks most of his later 70s work and, sonically, fits perfectly between Calling Card and Photo Finish (with which it shares several songs). In a way, though, that’s the problem. 1978 was the end of Gallagher’s golden period and the material here – accomplished, impeccably played – feels slightly inessential, lacking the fire that made his earlier work so special.
Nevertheless, tracks such as B Girl have the unmistakable Gallagher swagger and charm, making this more than an exercise in nostalgia. The second disc (12 live tracks from 1979) would be superfluous were it not for the stripped-down vitality of the three-piece band, which goes a long way towards making up for the overly-smooth aspects of the studio work.
